NFL picks for Week 5: Home underdogs have some of the best betting odds
Just about a quarter of the NFL season is behind us already. We are beginning to see which teams are contenders and which teams are pretenders.
There have been quite a few surprising teams so far in the regular season, such as the Philadelphia Eagles starting 4-0 or the Las Vegas Raiders starting only 1-3. This should make for plenty of exciting games this week as we move into the middle portion of the season.
Let’s take a look at Jets X-Factor’s best bets for week 5.
All odds via Fanduel Sportsbook
Los Angeles Chargers @ Cleveland Browns
The L.A. Chargers are sitting at 2-2 through four weeks and have not been playing at the level I expected from them before the season. They have beaten the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans but also lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars at home.
I think this is a perfect matchup for the Browns after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week. Cleveland ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 187.3. They are a run-first team and can run the ball as well as anyone in the NFL. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are as good as it is going to get in an NFL backfield.
The Chargers have one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL. They are giving up 5.4 yards per carry which ranks second to last in the league. The Browns should be able to run it with ease and control the clock to keep Justin Herbert off the field.
I think Cleveland could win this game straight up but I will take the points here.
The Play: Cleveland Browns +2.5
Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals
Most NFL power rankings have the Philadelphia Eagles as the best team in the league. Through four weeks, Philadelphia is the only team still undefeated. They are not only winning games but they are beating teams on average by 11 points per game. Jalen Hurts has also pushed himself into the MVP discussion after his strong start.
However, I think the Eagles are a bit overrated. So far, their only meaningful win came against the Minnesota Vikings at home. Their three other wins came against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, and the Detroit Lions. Those three teams have a combined record of 4-8.
The Cardinals come into this game after a nice win in Carolina last week. Their defense has struggled so far this season but played well in Week 4, only allowing 10 points and shutting down everything the Panthers were trying to do. I think the Cardinals are due for a big game where they put everything together.
I expect the Cardinals to be able to keep this game close on their home field.
The Play: Arizona Cardinals +5.5
